the barrens
The barren-grounds of the Northwest Territories are widely recognized for exceptional scenery and unique wildlife. This landscape is steeped in extraordinary stories of human travel and survival over millennia. Place names on the barren-grounds record the exploits of Matonabee, Akaitcho, Edzo, and the Dene travelers of the past.
Explorers and traders added to the mystique of the barren-grounds. Samuel Hearne, John Franklin and George Back have entered the lore of this spectacular land.
Each human story of the barren-grounds is also an account of the barren-ground caribou. For hunters of the past, finding caribou meant survival. Long treks were made into an unforgiving landscape to support small family groups. The caribou were valued and respected. It was customary to thank the caribou for giving their lives to support the hunter and his family.
The caribou still move across the northern tundra, but the seasons are changing. Today, much is known about the caribou, but there is still much to be learned. To ensure the barren-ground caribou are here forever, traditional hunters, scientists and professional outfitters must work together.
